11/10/2020
Congratulations to the Philippine EXPO Tokyo's BEST IN BARONG and BEST IN FILIPINIANA TERNO in the Mr. & Ms. Philippine Expo 2020 held in Shin-Koiwa Park, Katsuskika, Tokyo, Japan.
Hec Kikuzaki (Hector Kikuzaki Jr.)
BEST IN BARONG
Mr. Philippine Expo 2020
"Sultan de Ilustrado Real (King of Illustrated Royalty)"
*In the long period of Spanish Rule (1521-1898), it was an era of conversion to Roman Catholicism with a Spanish colonial social system in the local government marked by numerous uprisings. Towards the latter half of the 19th century, European-educated Filipinos or “Ilustrados” (Chinese-Filipino) began to criticize the excesses of Spanish rule and instilled a new sense of national identity. As inspired by the leadership of National Hero Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, this is an “obra” inspired from the Ilustrados and the sultans of the south. Sultan is a title denoting as the king or ruler; historically accounts as chiefs, sovereign princes and monarchs of numerous indigenous peoples throughout the Philippine archipelago. This masterpiece epitomizes the birthright aristocracy demonstrating prowess in war and/or exceptional leadership. With the gold patterns and beads embellished on the Maguindanaon Inaul, this is distinguished from the nouveau riche imitators scornfully called Maygintao, “the man with gold” or “Hidalgo by gold”. “Sultan de Ilustrado Real” is a symbolism of a social status, notable in the past; with gold chains, bands, earrings and trimmings. Truly, this is the King of Illustrated Royalty!!!
Ayen Alao (Ayen Villena Alao)
BEST IN FILIPINIANA TERNO
Ms. Philippine Expo 2020
"La Bella Señorita de Mascota (Beautiful Lady of Mascota)"
*This Filipiniana Gown represents the rich cultures and traditions of the Island of Mindanao through the symbolic union of the Christians and Muslims from the regions of Davao down to the Zamboanga Peninsula. This traditional to modern piece is well illustrated to a beautiful silhouette known as the Mascota. Mascota is a formal Spanish-inspired gown worn by ladies of the “alta sociedad” (high society) during the Spanish colonial period in Zamboanga Peninsula. The dress is identical by its fitted bodice and an